Environment variables

What is this skill?

Environment variables allow you to configure your prototype differently for local development versus deployment. They're used to store settings like feature flags, API keys, or environment-specific URLs without hardcoding them.

Why is it important?

• Security – Keep sensitive data out of your codebase
• Flexibility – Change behaviour without modifying code
• Deployment ready – Configure differently for Heroku vs local
• Feature toggles – Enable or disable features per environment

Where to learn more

• GOV.UK Prototype Kit: Environment variables
• Heroku: Configuration and config vars
• Node.js process.env